In a move welcomed by the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), Pakistan has announced a one-year extension for the registration cards of 1.45 million Afghan refugees. The Proof of Registration (POR) cards, which expired on June 30, 2024, will now be valid until June 30, 2025.
The decision, approved by the federal cabinet, comes after UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi urged Pakistan to halt its deportation plan and recognize the country’s burden in hosting a large refugee population. Pakistan has been hosting millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, with a significant influx occurring after the Taliban regained power in August 2021.
The repatriation programme launched by Pakistan in November 2023 aimed to return millions of Afghans, regardless of their legal status, has been widely criticized. According to officials, over 600,000 Afghan refugees have left Pakistan since November, with more than 30,000 being deported and the rest returning voluntarily.
The UNHCR has acknowledged the challenges faced by Pakistan and appreciated the suspension of the repatriation programme. Grandi emphasized the need for a broader vision and accelerated solutions for the Afghan people in Pakistan.
The extension of registration cards will provide relief to Afghan refugees, allowing them to stay in Pakistan for another year. The move is seen as a positive step towards finding a more permanent solution for the refugee crisis.
